The Freer and Sackler Galleries are the Smithsonians originals and despite its small space, you should pay it a visit. Its on the National Mall and free and has one of the most beautiful courtyards in DC. Here are a few interesting facts about the galleries:1. Opening in 1923, it was the first art museum in the Smithsonian network.2. Charles Freer, a business man and private art collector, designed the museum to house his collection. He planned the museum knowing he wouldnt live to see the opening.3. To prevent museum fatigue, the space is intentionally kept small preserving its domestic feel.4. Its courtyard was once called the most beautiful spot in Washington and also housed peacocks in the 1920s.5. The museum is mostly dedicated to Asian art but there is a small collection of American art.Enjoy!
Sorry to say this, but, in my opinion the collections are weaker than other Smithsonian places. In general, asian arts mostly historical pieces are harder to access and enjoy than western arts, so having more of contemporary asian arts will attract crowd for sure. The experiential components of the bell and buddist temple were great.
A wonderful small museum with wonderful Asian Art